Ferroskutterudite is an iron-rich member of the skutterudite group, characterized by its metallic silver-white color and cubic habit. Collectors typically find this rare arsenide mineral in cobalt-silver hydrothermal vein deposits alongside other arsenic-bearing minerals.
Is this ferroskutterudite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ferroskutterudite with a known reference. Ferroskutterudite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferroskutterudite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferroskutterudite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin-white, silver-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic to octahedral crystals, often massive or granular.
Often confused with
Ferroskutterudite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferroskutterudite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferroskutterudite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe,Co,Ni)As₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 6.7-6.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Cubic to Octahedral Crystals, Often Massive or Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {111}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find ferroskutterudite
Classic worldwide localities
- Skutterud, Norway
- Cobalt, Ontario, Canada
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where ferroskutterudite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, nickeline, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a cubic to octahedral crystals, often massive or granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferroskutterudite?+
Where is ferroskutterudite found?+
How much is ferroskutterudite worth?+
Is ferroskutterudite safe to handle?+
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Find ferroskutterudite on the map
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